Einstein the Chatterbox!

Isn't he a handsome boy? Einstein loves to chatter at you and follows me around most of the day. He is so curious you can definitely see where the "truism" came from. He's a funny, sweet boy, but he also likes to insert himself between Layla and I. I don't let him get away with it and Layla will lick his head and then smack him to let him know who's boss. *g*

Sundays are supposed to be a day of rest, but here today? No. We've been go-go-going since we woke this morning! Chris took Daughter to work this afternoon and I started with laundry and picking up the house. Since I'm a "everything has a place" person, you'd think that wouldn't take long. However, I live with three other people who believe in "where-ever it lands". *sigh*
After a late lunch I headed to Zumba and had a blast. We did a Zumba battle and I ended up being the "captain' of one team and almost laughed myself hysterical from embarrassment. And my face was red from exercising to begin with and turned even redder! (I'm fair skinned, if I'm embarrassed EVERYONE knows. *g*) But, I had fun.
Then it was off to pick up Daughter. I did kettlebells while there (brought mine from home) while waiting on her and even when she was late getting out I managed to get a little reading done in the jeep waiting for her. We dropped a few things off at the library, in the drop box, on the way home and then met up with Son and Chris.
Chris shampooed the landing and stairs and the couch for me today and since he wasn't quite done when we arrived home Daughter and I just picked up the grocery list and headed back out. We were dismayed to view the remains of a four car accident on the way to WW and it made me sad because you could tell someone had died just by the wreckage.
When we arrived home the guys helped us bring in the groceries and the night has gone on from there. I can say I'm TIRED. It's been a long day and tomorrow promises to be even longer. Daughter has to finish up the edits on the commercial the Teen Writing Club has made for the Summer Reading program and there's no telling how long that will take, though I am glad she's learning new things by doing all this.

Anyway, that's it. I still have to make my bed (washed linens today) and then grab a shower and climb in it. I hope y'all had a peaceful and Blessed Sunday. I wish a low-key and pleasing Monday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: Zumba, Kettlebells.
Fitness Hours: 1hr. 40min..

Large and In Charge.. Of my Yard!

I wanted to post a picture of my monkey grass. It's taken on a life of it's own from the small plants that were planted just four (?) years ago. Someone asked if I cut it or trim it. Not over the top of the plants, but along the sides I have been known to edge it a bit to keep it corralled on one side. Our driveway keeps it corralled on the other. *g*

Quite a day here. Daughter needed to work on editing more of their commercial at the library, so went there when Chris dropped her off on the way to the recycling place. I took Son for a haircut. We regrouped at home (Chris, Son and I) and then headed to the library to pick Daughter up and off to take her to work. We dropped her off and got some lunch for Chris and Son and then to Hobby Lobby for pipe-cleaners (best cat toys ever) and to pick an essential oil to try for scent in vinegar for cleaning. Then back to the Y to swim for a bit before picking Daughter up from work. Son had a great time on the slide. He spent most his time sliding down it into the water. I know he had to go down at least twenty times.

After that we headed to Whole Foods. Hobby Lobby didn't have much of a selection of essential oils, so we wanted to look there. Wow! The selection there was vast. And of course we couldn't leave without looking around. I checked out their organic cleaners, but to be honest didn't like many of them. I seriously wish the store we had been buying our cleaner from had kept it. *sigh* This is a pain the fanny.

We headed home after that. I was SO ready to head home. I did try a few drops of the essential oil we picked up with the vinegar and it was foul. So, back to the drawing board.

It's late, again, and time for me to head offline. I hope y'all had a good Saturday. I wish a peaceful and restful Sunday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: swimming and laps
Fitness Hours: 1hr.

Won't You Be My Teddy Bear?

What is it with boys? Are they all crazy? Check out Elvis. When he finally sacked out the other night he REALLY sacked out. Does he not look absolutely hilarious? And do you know he slept through me taking this picture and then walking into the LR to grab the kids and Christ to show them this nuttiness? Oh, and Buddy, the Ginger,  (also now known as Butterball) was also asleep and slept through the whole thing. Like I said, boys are crazy.

Speaking of crazy boys. Er, well, men in this case. What is wrong with admitting you were wrong? Hello? Let's just say that a man can be cranky when he is wrong.
We're having some freakish weather here right now. Earlier this week it was downright chilly again, we had freeze warnings at night and then we hit almost 80 degrees today and for the last week we've had a small thunderstorm during the day. But, today? Whew! It rained so hard several roads flooded around our area (the rain was coming down so hard the storm drains couldn't intake it all) and there were some trees down and the rain came down so hard that you couldn't see five feet in front of your vehicle. It was wild.

Because of the weather I decided to only make it to one grocery store today. Since it wasn't dire to get to all the stores today it worked out okay. It also gave me time to research natural cleaners. I usually use Clorox Greenworks because it's so mild and does a good job and doesn't bother Layla's skin. However, the store I usually purchase it at no longer carries the large jug that can be mixed. And no one else around here does, either. I'll be honest. One of the decisions to use Greenworks instead of any other of the more organic cleaners was the smell. It is lightly scented with a citrus scent and since strong smells bother us it seemed a nice fit. (Pine Sol makes me sick as a dog.) I've smelled a lot of the others and they're........ unpleasant. So, after some advice from an employee of the store that no longer carries the cleaner we've decided to try and make our own. Yay. So, I've know vinegar is a good cleaner, but the smell is strong. Turns out you can use essential oils to change the scent and so we're on the hunt for some of those this weekend. Wish us luck! (I've also read that castile soap is a good base for a cleaner as well, but finding that may be more difficult.)

Not much else to share from the day. It was just a normal, for us, day. Anyway, time to head offline. I hope y'all had an enjoyable Friday. I wish an amusing and relaxing Saturday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: 10.52 miles bike.
Fitness Hours: 35 minutes.

P.S. Please say a Prayer for Eve, also known as Bailey Stewart (most of y'all know her). Her sister is having trouble with her breathing and oxygen count.

Blooming!

My rose bush has been blooming for about two weeks now and some of the blossoms are gorgeous. I had to share this one. I think buds are pretty and fully open blossoms are nice, but I love the blossoms that are just starting to unfurl. Oh, and my rose bush? Should definitely be called a rose tree. It's over six feet tall now.

Well, it's official. My baby is now seventeen years old. The night she was born I was given a choice on her birthdays (She was born a few seconds before Midnight.) and I told them that I had started on that day and we were going to finish on that day. I remember Chris making me fun of me because every time I had a contraction (I was induced and had a spinal early so didn't feel the pain as much.) I would flap my hands. He asked me if I was trying to fly away. I remember when the Doctor placed her on my chest and she stopped crying and then they took her to weigh her and she cried again. And when they placed her back on me she was quiet. And it went that way each time they needed to take her away for something. And now I have to let her go on her own to try new things and I'm the one that wants to cry as she starts to exert her independence. But, I'm being good. I'm standing back and letting her try her own things and only offer advice when it's wanted. (Granted, the new things must be approved things.)  Anyone see the resemblance between Daughter and the above rose? I know I do.
As for today? Daughter loved her gifts. She received some money, a gift card, some jewelry and lots of journals. Daughter loves journals, she doesn't use them as a diary, but she does her writing in them. She also received Birthday cards from everyone as well as from some of the MA students and the Sensei, who made it a point to come in during the class she was teaching just to give her a card. How sweet was that?

Chris took a half day off of work so he could pick up Daughter's cake (Cappuccino Torte- Wow!)(She chose it!), the bakery isn't far from where he works in the next city over.  And so he could spend the afternoon with us and watch Daughter teach her class this evening.

After class we all headed home and we had Daughter's choice for dinner-steaks and baked potatoes. She's like her dad that way. *g* She was happy, and that's what counts.

But, as for reading? I only had about twenty minutes to read today! Gah. I WILL eventually finish this book. I know I will. I WANT to finish this book. Looks like I may have to give up sleep to do it. *g*

Nothing else to share from today, we're pretty boring. I hope y'all had an enjoyable Thursday. I wish a fun and fabulous Friday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: 11 miles bike.
Fitness Hours: 40min.. (Ran out of time- Yikes!)(Though I did run into a fitness instructor I know and was telling her that Daughter turned seventeen today and she was shocked. She'd thought I was in my mid-twenties! I LIKE her. *g* She even asked me about my skin care routine. Weird.)

Miss Pepper the Cute!

I wanted y'all to see that I'm not ignoring the other kitties in favor of the kittens. Pepper is still sweet, quiet, chubby and adorable. She also still meows whenever someone sneezes, as she proved tonight when I had a sneezing fit! It's so hard to take a really good picture of Pepper as her fur is so inky black that her features don't stand out, but then again, her eyes are still as sweet and huge as ever. (I've read some articles on why she has blue glowy eyes instead of green/gold like other cats. It IS due to her sight issues.)

If ever there was a day I wish was a do-over it was today. I won't go into particulars, but will say I am glad that it's over. However, I'm not ecstatic it's over because that means today is here (the 26th). That means that Daughter is now seventeen years old. Where the heck has the time gone? I remember her crawling down the hallway because she was so excited for her nightly bath. I remember her first bathing suit (pink with tiny white polka dots). I remember my mother teaching her to blow gum bubbles and to rollerskate. I remember her first MA competition and the day I noticed she was taller than me. Where has the time all gone? However, I am comforted by the fact that though she may sometimes take the lazy way she has a good heart. She has principles and she stands up for herself and others. I am proud that she not only worked hard for her accreditations, but that she continues to be a leader and helps train others. (If sometimes they're intimidated? Well, they'll soon learn she is one of the kindest people they could ever meet.) (Shhhh, don't tell her I said that. She likes her tough girl image.) The same girl I have to bug to do schoolwork is the first to volunteer to help someone who can't help themselves. I guess that's where the time went. It's almost though that while I wasn't looking she grew to become a lovely young woman. And all I have to say to that is: "Stop It!". Stop growing. Stop and slow down and let me catch up to the fact that you're getting older.  Stop and be my little girl. *sigh* I love you, Daughter. And I'm proud of you. Happy Birthday! I hope all your dreams come true!

I played hooky from working out today. Daughter had a meeting at the library for more video shooting for the Teen Summer Reading commercial and it ran over. So, we didn't make the new Wednesday night MA class and after dropping them off at home and heading to the Y it would have been late before we ate, so I made the decision to skip tonights workout. I feel so guilty, but guess that every now and them my body needs a rest.

As for reading? I'm still reading the Amanda Quick book, though we've been so busy today I haven't had a chance to even open the book. I can say that so far I'm being drawn into the character's lives and eager to read more.

And that's it from me. I'm exhausted. I'm up way too late, again, and need to get some rest. I hope y'all had a Wonderful Wednesday. I wish a thankful and thoughtful Thursday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: 0.
Fitness Hours: 0 and I feel guilty.....

Sacked Out!

With kittens life can be hard. You play hard. You sleep hard. *g* Even if it means you played so hard you can't make it all the way into the kitty cube before falling asleep. The kitty halfway in and asleep in the kitty cube is Harley. The one with her face out is Zoe. (Please excuse the location of this picture, we keep the kittens corralled when we're not home or when we're upstairs. It's for their protection.)

At least it hasn't been a busy day. Much. This afternoon I took Son to pick up his glasses. He loves them. They are gunmetal grey and have rectangular lenses which suit his face with all of it's angles and freckles. *g* Now we're just waiting on his sports glasses. We're supposed to hear of their arrival tomorrow, but we'll see how it goes.

After picking up Son's glasses we headed home and the kids had lunch and did more schoolwork and before we knew it, it was time to go to MA class and my class. Daughter, while good, tends to get hurt a lot in MA and today was no exception. She had her feet swept and landed on her upper back and knocked her head and then it pitched forward and back again. She felt dizzy for a time and had a small headache for a little while, but we've checked her several times for a concussion and she seems okay. (Not that I won't keep an eye on her.) Oh, meant to say while on the way to MA class we stopped by the library. I had a hold come in! YAY! Crystal Gardens by Amanda Quick (aka Jayne Ann Krentz and Jayne Castle). I can't wait to start reading it. This is the one author I read every book she writes (even though some have been better than others) and across each genre she writes: contemporary, paranormal/fantasy, historical.
Today also happens to be FIL's birthday! He's doing well with his rehab and is recovering well. Chris went to see him after he got off of work and while the kids and I were at MA class. Daughter's birthday is Thursday and FIL has always gotten a kick out of the fact that their two birthdays are so close together.

We all arrived home late about the same time and had a quick dinner. You ever just feel relieved when you walk through your own door? That's how we felt tonight. That "Ahhh, home." feeling.

And since tomorrow promises to another full day I'm headed offline. I hope y'all had a pleasing Tuesday. I wish an excellent Wednesday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: Zumba, bike.
Fitness Hours: 1hr. 10min..

This little piggy went to market.....

Elvis loves to eat. You'd think he waddled considering how much he loves food. However, his brother and sisters won't let him get away with hogging it all. Despite even sitting in the food bowl!

Ever done something you know you shouldn't? I did that tonight. I just needed some quiet time and have stayed up way too late. I'll pay for it tomorrow (today), but just felt like I needed some time for me. (I don't get that often.)
Daughter worked today and then after schoolwork this afternoon we headed to the library for an event for Son. They had a trivia contest (lots of games) about the Diary of  Wimpy Kid books and Son has read each book at least three times each, if not more. He and his team did well, though they didn't win. The reason they didn't win? Boys are a lot like men in that they don't often play well with others and one always feels like they're right and has to be in control. *g* The other team, the winning team,  had a girl. 'Nuff said. *g*
After that I headed to Yoga and was tired and not sure I'd do well through class ended up more energized after class that before. I really wish our teacher taught more than just two days a week. But, she has a full-time job that she's also excellent at. *g*
Chris made dinner, we had steak fajitas. Flank steak is great in that it's very lean and can be used in a variety of different ways and with different flavors. I'm not a huge meat eater, let alone a red meat eater, but with fresh, homemade salsa? YUMMY. And for dessert? Homemade vanilla wafer cookies. *g*
As for reading? I just finished The Cowboy Takes a Bride by Lori Wilde. It's a good thing I took time to look at the library today! I also found another YA about Jack the Ripper and this one mentioned Steam Punk. I can't remember the title to share, but will do so tomorrow.

And that's it. Tomorrow we have to pick up Son's new glasses. They called today, but I didn't have time from when they called to get everything done, hence tomorrow. I hope y'all had a lively Monday. I wish a happy Tuesday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: yoga.
Fitness Hours: 1.

Sweet Ginger!

This little guy has the ability to steal your breath with his cuteness and silliness and make you smile and laugh. He hardly ever meows. He's the quietest kitten I've ever seen, and I've seen a LOT. Like most ginger boys he's as sweet as he can be and loves to have his (now) full belly rubbed. I will always remember the night I thought we'd lose him and the fight to get him to the Emergency Vet in time. He holds a special place in my heart and his adopted family will have to be something special to deserve him.

We've had a full weekend. Daughter worked yesterday and Chris, Son and I spent the day at the Y taking in all the new things in the new facility. Son and I played air hockey while Chris swam laps and then Chris and I swapped places and I worked out. We then swapped places again and Chris tried out the indoor track above the gym and then we all went swimming. I can now say will the utmost truth that I, pardon my language, suck at ping pong ball. *g* Son isn't great at it, either. He tends to want to treat the ball as as tennis ball and whack the sucker! *g*

Today Chris and worked out again, but at different times and different Y's. He took Daughter to work (She was the senior guard for the two shifts she's had this weekend, meaning she's the one with the most experience and in charge.) and swam laps again and ran on the treadmill and then he came home and I left for Zumba. I had a blast and then after class was asked to help "test out" three new songs with the instructors (the ones I know). I loved that! It was the fact that someone valued my opinion that made me feel less of the ditz I feel most days lately. After that I drove over to the other Y to pick up Daughter and since I was early I used the bike until they closed and Daughter was off.

After arriving home I took care of WAY too much laundry and ironing. Chris made dinner, which was nice. Especially since I was ironing his work clothes!

I tried a new-to-me author, well, two of them, this weekend. They were the two I splurged on last week. The Fenske and Hill (not Sandra Hill), books. I wanted to like them, but they just weren't for me.  I don't purchase many books, and now I remember why. (Well, besides a minuscule book budget. *g*) As for what I'm reading now? I haven't picked a book from my keeper shelves yet. I'm still waiting on the library to get in something from my holds list.

Anyway, that's it. A semi-condensed version of our weekend. I hope y'all had a pleasing weekend. I wish a low-key and kind Monday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: ZumbaFit, bike-10.37 miles.
Fitness Hours: 1hr. 50min.

What pointed teeth you have, Harley!

This is the kitten we call Harley. She's a sweetheart with a big voice. She likes to meow when she's hungry. When she's lonely. When she wants your attention. Well, we'll  call her "talkative". *g*

We're starting to put the word out among those we know that these kittens are available for adoption. Daughter has an expanded amount of people she can ask this time as there are now 51 lifeguards. *g*

As it's late, I'm taking the rest of the night off, so to speak. I hope y'all had a fabulous Saturday and had some fun. I wish a Blessed Sunday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

A promise is a promise!

Meet Elvis. He's a purr machine as well as being playful and scared of his own shadow. He's very sweet and Chris thinks he's cute as a button. We decided on Elvis for now because he reminded me of old pictures of Elvis with the big black haired pompadour and white jumpsuit. He even has mutton chops that come down on both sides of his face! How funny is that?

It wasn't a bad day. What? I figure I'll start out with a simple description of our day. It wasn't bad. Daughter worked this afternoon and evening so Son and I had a quiet house to ourselves. He did schoolwork and I mowed the lawn. I know it sounds like I spend an inordinate amount on my lawn, but it's not really the grass that's growing a lot right now. It's the weeds. I'm tying to keep them under control and they're driving me batty. For some reason crab grass is very bad this year and nothing seems to kill it so I spend more time that I should pulling it up on top of mowing it. I also edge and then have to rake up the mulch that when flying when I edged. *g* But, you could say I'm doing something good for myself while doing all this. I'm getting sunshine! (Though it was only 68 degrees here today so no heat to go with it- which is fine by me!) And exercise!
After Chris arrived home this evening we all headed out to the new Y. Partly because we needed to pick Daughter up a little later and partly because Chris wanted to try the new pool. He and Son played in the small pool and I swam laps in the lap pool. Which was chilly! Brrrrr. I ended up getting into the sauna after swimming just to warm up and because I've been coughing the past two days. Normally I can't sit in there longer than 5 minutes, but I made it a little over 10 this time. Chris said it wasn't as warm as the old one. Oh, besides a sauna there's also a steam room and a jacuzzi. I didn't try either of those. The steam room makes me feel like I can't breathe at all. Ugh. And I ran out of time for the jacuzzi. *g*
Before we knew it, Daughter was off and we were heading home. We had something quick for dinner since we were home so late and spent some time watching a little tv before I let Chris splay his game and headed upstairs. *g*
As for reading? None today, which is sad. It's just that I've been taking care of other things during the time I could read.
Time for me to head offline. I can barely keep my eyes open. I hope y'all had a fun and enjoyable Friday. I wish an amusing and gregarious day! Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: lawn care, swimming.
Fitness hours: 2hr. 15min.

Happy Blooms!

I know. I know. Second day without a kitty picture. I'll post one tomorrow! I just wanted to share a picture of the shamrocks (and monkey grass) by my mailbox. The shamrock flowers tickle me, well, pink! I find it fascinating that they open and close with the sun. I was a tad sad yesterday that when I went to check the mail they were closed. Of course the pouring rain and dark sky had a lot to do with that, but I hadn't realized how much I look forward to seeing the bright, happy flowers every afternoon. Today? Well, see for yourself.

It was just one of those days. You know the ones. Where nothing goes quite as planned? And because of that I'm just going to skip over most the day and say that Son did enjoy his 4-H/Homeschool event this afternoon. Hearts of Clay, a shop that you can design your own clay creations or just paint one of theirs and have it fired in the kiln, came today. The kids each made an object and glazed it and they will be fired and returned within the next couple of weeks. Son made a large shallow bowl. And then glazed it black with his initials in blue in the interior. I'm not quite sure where he'll put it, the kid is a packrat, but I know he had fun making it. And unlike several other of the mother's at the event I stepped back and let Son decide what he wanted to make, how to make it and even what color to glaze it. I didn't even hover, choosing to sit against the wall and observe. Don't get me wrong. I have pictures of him making it and of the bowl and sent a couple to Chris at work so he could see what was going on since he misses so much. And all the time Son was doing that Daughter was in the offices of the library working on editing the commercial the kids have made for the Summer Program. As a matter of fact, they were having issues getting the camera to download to the computer. The teen librarian even called the state library for help, but they didn't know what to do. Daughter?  Figured it out on her own. She also taught MA tonight. Her own class. I mean that from now on she'll be teaching the Thursday evening class and getting paid to do so. How cool is that?

As for reading? I'm still reading the Ripper book, when I have time. Since the book was Trade sized I took another MM book with me to the Y tonight to read as I work out. I read Beauty Dates The Beast by Jessica Sims. It's a paranormal romance with a shifter hero and a regular gal with a BIG secret as the heroine. There was some humor, though the book is fast paced and the steamy scenes were, um, steamy. Whew! For the most part there is a HEA, but a huge thread was left dangling and I'll admit to being curious as to how the second book will go along. However, the way it was done? I feel manipulated into reading the second book. I know I'm not making sense by explaining it that way, but I'm trying not to give spoilers. It's probably just me. It usually is!

That's my day. We're dealing with no dishwasher and since the kids are old enough to wash a few of the things they use as they go along we may just survive! *g* Anyway, I hope y'all had a smile-filled and happy Thursday. I wish an enjoyable Friday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: stationary bike, weights.
Fitness Hours: 1.

Southern-ism's

Normally I'm not a car sticker person. I do read others bumper stickers and usually end up amused at some of them and horrified by others. But, when I took the kids to the mall last week a store that sells sports merchandise and car stickers and such was having a "Going Out of Business" sale. And they had this sticker. I have a hat that someone gave me almost ten years ago with this logo that I wear every time I mow the lawn and so when I saw this sticker I had to purchase it. (Did I mention the sale was 35% off over EVERYTHING in the store? *g* I love a good deal and paid about $3 for this sticker.) As for why I bought the sticker? I am kind of proud to have that "Southern Twang" to my voice (though mine is quite mild thanks to my "Yankee" Mom *g*), to live in an area of the country where manners are still sometimes seen and where being a lady is something you teach your Daughters and teach your Son's how to treat one. And just so you know? I don't actually go around saying "y'all" all the time. I just like to inject a little local flavor for..... y'all. *g* Do you have bumper stickers or car stickers on your vehicles, or if you don't have a vehicle, do you at least read them? Do you have favorites?

Today was almost a quiet day! Except for the fact that since Chris forgot to turn on the water to the dishwasher and then I ran the dishwasher and we are now without a dishwasher thank to the pump frying. *sigh* I had to hand wash the entire load and then hand drain the dishwasher. Fun. Since we can't replace it for a while we'll be stuck hand washing dishes. It's times like these that I give serious thought to all the things we sacrifice for me to be home with the kids and to homeschool. I wish there was some way I could still do all this and bring in an income. But, I don't have many talents. While I love to sing I am not talented enough to be paid for it. My poetry is okay, but nothing to get worked up over. *sigh* Don't mind me.
Anyway,  Daughter and Son did schoolwork and then this afternoon Son and I dropped Daughter at the library to begin edits to the writing clubs commercials that will be aired in local schools and libraries for the Teen Summer Reading Program. Before I knew it, it was time to pick her up and head to the Y to workout. This Wednesday a couple of women I know were teaching the Zumba class and asked me to come, so I did. I had a blast! Of course my feet complained, but it was worth it for the good sweat, good music and feeling that I accomplished something good for me. After class, which was shortened since this isn't a regular class they teach, I decided to work with the kettlebells for a little bit and then headed home. I was SUPPOSED to help Neighbor Girl with her hair to see if she liked a braid and wanted to wear her hair that way for her upcoming prom, but she asked if we could do it tomorrow instead. Um, okay? It's these instances that I know I'm too nice. But, I hated to disappoint her. I'm more used to braiding my own hair (and not bragging or anything, but I get many compliments my french braid) and so am worried I will make her head look like Medusa's!

As for reading? I am just beginning a book titled Ripper by Amy Carol Reeves. It is a Historical YA with, of course, a Jack the Ripper mystery. Add in Psychic visions, a hospital for the underprivileged and mysterious murders at said hospital and I'm already determined to finish the book within the next day or two. Anyone else fascinated by the old Ripper murder mystery? Any theories on who you think was the Ripper? It seems every few years there's an author who releases a book claiming that they've figured it out. Of course none of them agree.

Oh, Chris made a yummy Fettucini Alfredo tonight for dinner. I added fresh spinach to mine. He gave me a look as though I were crazy or something! Silly man. While he was cooking dinner I made homemade vanilla wafer cookies. And after dinner I ate too many of them. Oops. I'll have to work extra hard tomorrow to not feel too badly about that.

And that's that. Time to get some rest. Tomorrow promises to be interesting. I hope y'all had a delightful Wednesday. I wish a thankful and thoughtful Thursday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: Zumba, Kettelbells.
Fitness Hours: 1hr. 5min.

Surprising Voice!

This little lady is the one we had the scare over last week. The kitten who had the weird almost seizure like activity. She hasn't done that in more than three days, btw. We think she somehow came in contact with something that irritated her nose and skin and that's why she kept rubbing her nose to the point where she couldn't stop. She's a calico and is very loving. She's also very bossy and curious and LOUD. She will meow at you until she gets what she wants.

I woke with a nasty sinus headache today and it took an hour before I felt human. Not much to share today. Daughter worked this afternoon and while she was at work Son worked on his History test. After leaving early to meet up with Daughter we stopped at Sam's and picked out and ordered a new pair of sports goggles for Son. His old goggles aren't strong enough (prescription) and were very badly scratched.   After that we headed to the new Y. Son and Daughter went swimming and I watched (I just didn't feel like swimming since it was so busy.)  and afterwards they changed and went to MA class while I went to Zumba. Zumba didn't go well. The speaker system kept acting up, there's a short somewhere and kept going out. Every try dancing to no music? It sounded like a herd of elephants when we tried. A technician came up and tried to work it. The music would start back up, he'd start to leave and it would go out again. And again, and again, and again. *sigh* Then there were two technicians..... Also, when the music would play the speakers sounded as though they were already blown and there was no bass. Cutting costs purchasing and installing the sound system doesn't seem to have worked well. But, I can say that the new Y has a funny little feature that I liked! The water fountain! *g* It has filtered water and a spot to fill up water bottles. It's cool! (Oh, and the water is COOL, too. Nice!)
After the kids class they wanted to check out the fun center so Son tried his hand at ping-pong. Um, yeah. He smacked that sucker like it was a tennis ball. *g* Then he played fooseball(sp). And won that game. Then he tried to air hockey game and won at that. So, he didn't have too bad of a time in there. *g*

After reaching home we made dinner and enjoyed a little time together. As for reading? I started the Tawna Fenske book and so far am liking it, but the pacing seems a little off for me. However, I am hopeful it will become more enjoyable.

And that's it. It's very late and I'm very tired. I hope y'all had a terrific Tuesday. I wish a laughter and smile-filled day for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: zumba
Fitness Hours: 1.

The Boys!

Here are Einstein and Teddy. I took this picture intending to show y'all the difference in their sizes. However, it somehow doesn't do justice to the fact that Teddy is almost twice the size of Einstein. They were both enjoying a lovely Spring afternoon Saturday where I had opened the kitchen patio door for the kitties to enjoy the sights and smells of Spring. (Thank goodness for claratin and benedryl, btw.)

I've told y'all about the nice features of the new Y, now let me tell y'all about some of my worries. I worry that the familiarity and homeyness of the old Y will be missing from this new facility. My impression upon entering the new Y? It looks a lot like an upscale hotel. The counter for the check in desk is granite, and there's a concierge counter around the corner. Both make them seem a tad impersonal and lose the friendliness of the old counter. Then there's the fact that there is now only one gym instead of the two the old Y had. We've also gone from five racquetball  courts to two and one of those two turns into a squash court (moveable wall, kind of cool, actually) and now the free weights and machine weights and bikes and treadmills and ellipticals are all in one area. Have you ever smelled the free weight area in a gym? Ewwww. Let's just say if I want to hear grunting and groaning and smell guy funk I can do that at home when Chris rearranges our furniture! *g* Add in the new pool. There are only two lap lanes on the small pool and those are going to be packed with kids because that's where the slide lets out. The actual lap pool is off limits to kids Son's age, so somehow he'll have to do his laps in the small pool, but not when the slide is open. It's a gorgeous new facility. But, it's sterile and I worry that all the changes are going to damage the easy-going and friendliness of the people who not only worked at the old Y, but those who were patrons there as well. *sigh* I know I need to just buck up and forge ahead. But, change? She is scary.

As for today? Son had his eye exam this afternoon. The Doc said his eyes are a bit worse this year and when I asked if Son's bad eyesight would exceed mine the Doc said yes. Yikes! I'm blind as a bat without my contacts, as in legally blind. He also dilated Son's eyes. Son came out to wait in the lobby for twenty minutes and we picked out a frame he likes. By the time the Doc was done Son had a headache from the dilation and I'm out $$$ his glasses. Why yes, we do have vision insurance. And no. It' doesn't cover much.
Daughter had an even at the library this afternoon. They're working on the "script" and such for the commercial they're going to film. Daughter is now not only the editor, but the director and a Trivute from "Section Four". She's excited and looking forward to working on the project.
I attended yoga tonight and so needed it. The class almost always make my day and week ahead seem pleasing to deal with.
In my reading world, I've been reading Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire. I don't know quite how to explain the book. The main character is rather fun to like in an unbelievable way. She's smart and a tad snarky as well as irreverent and all around interesting to read about. I absolutely can't wait for the second book in this new series by the author.

And that's it. There's nothing much else to blather about. I hope y'all had a pleasing Monday. I wish a terrific Tuesday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: Yoga.
Fitness Hours: 1.

Something old is new again!

This is the cornerstone from the old Y. It was removed a few months ago because a time capsule had been buried behind it and the contents were put on view at the Y while the new Y was being built. I was thrilled when I discovered that rather than destroy the cornerstone, it was placed in the wall of the new Y. I think it's wonderful that they decided to honor the old with the new.

I just want to say that I have unwittingly been a ditz lately. Or, rather, ditzier. I apologize to any affected! *g*
This has been a tiring weekend. Remember when weekends were those times when you took off from work and relaxed? Yeah, no. Yesterday (Saturday) Daughter had a meeting at the new Y to go over new policies and procedures and Chris took her and stayed since the meeting was only supposed to last two hours. (We live 35 minutes away, made no sense to drive her there, drive back home and sit for 45minutes and then turn around and drive back.) While he did that Son and I went shopping. I, again, needed new tennies. I swear I just bought the pair I have and yet my feet have been complaining lately to the point where I'm afraid I'll do damage to my feet. I know I had to have tried on at least 7 pairs of shoes. I liked two pair in the end, but could only afford one pair. From there it was to the bookstore. I am out of library books and splurged and bought Believe it or Not by Tawna Fiske and Something About Witches by Joey W. Hill. From there it was to Lowe's for mulch. I bought 5 bags and was good and didn't buy any of the pretty, pretty flowers. *g* After all that Son and I headed home. Chris and Daughter still weren't back yet by then so I washed my jeep and detailed the interior. After Chris arrived home I decided to wash his jeep as well.

Now, as for Chris? He did a good thing last night. Almost five months ago our disposal went bad and we had to save up to purchase a new one. We had planned on buying the cheapest one possible, but ended up purchasing one that is purported (true, btw) to be quieter and has a very generous IN HOME warranty. So, he turned off the water last night, pulled out the sink and old disposal and went to work installing the new disposal. Only, when he pulled the sink out he noted that the sink was gross. Not like that! It was clean! It's just that when we replaced our sink a few years ago we bought an acrylic one and they were knew to the market at the time and it, well, sucked. It scratched, chipped and stained. So, we picked up a new sink last night. It took him over four hours (a plumber he is not) to install both. He did a good job, too!
Now, for Sunday's news. Not as busy. Daughter had another meeting and since this one was longer Chris dropped her off and came home. When he left to pick her up he took Son with him because I had zumba. After all that we met up back at home and I watered my plants, did laundry, spread out the mulch, and made dinner. I tried to get a little reading time in tonight as well. A few chapters were better than none, right?
And that's it. Nothing much else to share since I think I've caught everyone up. I hope y'all had a Blessed and Peaceful Sunday. I wish a low-key and pleasing Monday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: Saturday, None. Sunday, Zumba.
Fitness Hours: 1.

Lunch-time Brawl!

Just a short note to say that I'm taking the night off. Or, rather the morning. It's so late it's not even funny. I hope y'all had a Happy Saturday. I thought y'all might enjoy this picture of Elvis and Harley duking it out over the food bowl while Buddy looked out the window. As you can see, Elvis is winning as he's sitting IN THE BOWL. *g* Lots to share later!
Wishing y'all Blessing and a Peaceful Sunday. Goodnight, B.

Safe and Snug!

Four babies snug in a bed. I'm taking a guess on which is which on the right, but beginning on the left are the ones the kids and I named (kinda hard to call them kitten one and two and three and four), Elvis (seriously, looks like he has a weird pompadour and side burns *g*), Buddy (the ginger)(the one that was so seriously ill he had to be taken to the Emergency Vet), Zoe (calico) and Harley (calico and the one that had the weird allergic reaction/seizure). I can already tell you they have the funniest personalities and make the biggest messes. Especially when Elvis sits IN their food bowl to eat. (I tried small food bowls, they kept fighting to eat and tipping over the bowls.) They're about 4 and a half weeks old and will be ready to be placed for adoption soon.

Well, it's been a day. *g* This afternoon I had to clean, clean, clean because kittens are messy and then had lunch and went to workout. After all that the kids and I headed out and started at the library. Then to the mall where I exchanged a bathing suit I had bought last week. Then to the teen haven store of Hot Topic because Daughter asked nicely. I ended up finding a $2 button for Chris to put on his computer bag. It says 'Bazinga!' a saying Sheldon Cooper uses on The Big Bang Theory. *g* He loved it, btw. (As a huge geek himself he loves the show about geeks.)
We then met up with Chris at Sam's and went through. Then to WW to finish up the rest of the grocery shopping.
Oh and I splurged and bought a book and have already begun reading it. Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire. I tried reading another series by this author, but it wasn't my thing. However, this book? I like it a lot. It's rather tongue-in-cheek and I love it when an author can find the humor in what could be written as a dark plot. The heroine is interesting and appealing and I am LOVING the mice. They crack me up! I hope the rest of the book continues in the same vein.

And time to get some sleep. I can barely keep my eyes open. I hope y'all had a fun and fabulous Friday. I wish an laughter and love filled Saturday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: 11.14 miles bike, kettelbell.
Fitness Hours: 1.

Growing Up!

Teddy is growing so big! We can't believe how large he's gotten in the past few months. He's already bigger than Wicket and we actually have to look twice before naming them because he's become almost the same size as Fireball. He's also still dumb as a rock. But, very sweet. *g*

Well, I wish I could say today had been busy, but it wasn't as bad as I had feared. Today was the last day the old Pine Y was open. I felt very sad and nostalgic walking through the doors for the last time.  My first job was there as a United Way volunteer for two years and it turned out that my Daughter works/ed there for her first job. It's mind-bending in a way.We took a few pictures today of the old Y. Though we spent most of regular MA class time moving the equipment from one building to the other. After that there wasn't much time before they closed the doors on the old Y. However, we did help the AD clean out his office and pack some things up. I kinda teased him about how he should have started a few weeks ago and he said he did. That? Made my head spin because his office was close to being a weird episode of hoarders. Good grief! And that was TODAY. I did accuse him of being a pack-rat, though. He shrugged it off and kind of agreed. But, trust me. The Lifeguards already have bets going on how fast he's going to have his new office packed from wall to wall.
Oh, funny enough! While at the new Y Daughter and I ended up giving tours of the new Y to the MA parents. Too funny! I was even asked a question about the Childwatch, but didn't know much and could only suggest that they ask the front desk. However, they seemed content with what information I do know and left. I was telling Chris this when he called later and he said the Y just needs to put me on payroll. *g* I can grin about it now, but do know that I would love to work there. Later. When there comes a time I no longer homeschool. That'll be a long while, though. *g*
As for reading? I finally finished The Unseen by Heather Graham. I'll admit to thinking it was too similar/close to the first Krewe Of Hunters book set in New Orleans. Up next? I'm not sure. I'm out of library books, so can only hope to have one come in or read a book from my keeper shelves.

Anyway, that's it. It's been a long day for me and I need to grab some sleep. I hope y'all had a lovely Thursday. I wish a fun and enjoyable Friday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: Can I count carrying heavy equipment and all the walking back and forth between buildings?
Fitness Hours:. 45 minutes.

Fit for a Queen, or Princess!

Princess Layla! Someone gave us this crown a few years ago and we've had the best time playing with it with the cats. But, no one wears it quite the same as Layla. It's as though it were meant to be! *g*

Not much to share today. Both kittens that were ill seem to be doing okay. *knockonwood* As a matter of fact the one that had to be rushed in the middle of the night now has his little pot-belly back. It looks as though he swallowed a ping-pong ball. The other one has made the weird almost-seizure-like movement once today. It's weird. I don't want to call it a seizure because it doesn't look like one to me. It looks more like something bothers her and chokes her up for a second. Her eyes never lose focus (at least it doesn't seem so) and she never stops breathing. Though, strangely, she loves to eat (but maybe a bite at a time) and doesn't weigh as much as the others. She's fluffier than the other, though. We're keeping an eye on them all and hope they grow well so they can be adopted.
Today we had a mostly quiet day. This afternoon the kids worked on schoolwork and then Daughter had an event at the library. After dropping her off Son and I headed home and I mowed the lawn. After picking her up we headed back home and then I went back outside while the kids did more schoolwork. I spent almost three hours total working on the yard between mowing, weeding, edging and trimming the bushes. Funny enough, I loved every minute of it, too. It feels good to work so hard and see something come of it. Weird?
As for reading? Does a magazine count? I read the latest May issue of RT magazine, but haven't gotten back to my book yet. I hope to have some time soon. And to feel well enough to want to!
As for tomorrow? Tomorrow is the last day the old Pine Y is open. We'll be helping move some of the MA equipment and I'm going to try and remember to take lots of pictures because the old Y will be torn down in June to make way for a soccer field. It's kind of sad. It was where I worked as a volunteer when I was a teenager and also Daughter's first job and volunteer work as well. I'll miss the Women's health center and being able to work out away from guys who tend to grunt and groan and don't forget the funky odor. *g* Not to mention, I never felt judged with my pink kettlebell in the Women's Health Center, but always get looks walking through the Y with it. *sigh* Oh, well. Kind of an end of an era.

Anyway, I need to get some rest. I hope y'all had a wonderful Wednesday. I wish a thankful and thoughtful Thursday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: Yard Work.
Fitness Hours: 3.

My Crazy Guy!

Einstein cracks me up on a daily basis. He's so unaware of how comical his actions are, hence this photo. Does it not make you want to smile? Maybe laugh a little? That's my boy.

Gosh, these past two, three, days are running together. I promised an explanation, but can't promise it will make sense because I am working off of three hours sleep and those weren't even consecutive hours. *sigh* Y'all know about my ER visit early Monday morning (more like late Sunday night). Well, no sooner that I had gotten some sleep after that than one of the kittens starting acting as though she were choking and we rushed her to the Vet in a panic. Only. She wasn't choking according to them. It's more like a seizure. They're not sure why, whether it was a virus or neurological. I suggested maybe an allergic reaction. They didn't know what else to do, so they went with giving her a dose of steroids and sent us home. She only did the weird seizure thing one more time and then not once the rest of the night. Just when I was looking forward to bed, one of the other kittens started throwing up and couldn't stop. I administered sugar water and when I felt his body temperature begin to drop drastically and how lethargic he was I wrapped him in a baby blanket and rushed him to the Emergency Vet. They were very kind and suggested it was a virus, even doing blood work. They gave him fluids because he was dehydrated and penicillin and something to keep him from getting sick and sent us home. It seemed to work and I also took their suggestion and put him on a heating pad on it's lowest selection, but had to keep waking up every hour to turn it back on because it's a newer one with automatic shut-off. Also I made a rice buddy for him, to warm up in the microwave and stay warm (a hot water bottle alternative). He seemed to feel better and I managed to grab almost three hours sleep before we had to be up to take Daughter to work this morning (they need her more this week and next because of the new Y opening next Monday). After dropping her off Son and I headed back home and I checked on the kittens. The one that had the seizure was fine and I fed them and cleaned up after them and then checked on the other that had been sick and taken to the EV. He was drinking his water and was less lethargic so I let him out to potty and no sooner than he did than he tried to throw up again. SO. Off to our Vet for the second time in two days. They saw us right away and gave him the same meds the EV had given him along with some electrolyte solution to bring home. After home again I grabbed an hours rest and then it was time to pick up Daughter and then home for lunch and schoolwork. Before we knew it time had passed (after checking on all the kittens) and it was time to head back for the kids MA class. Which Daughter ended up teaching. BUT, the AD ended up giving us a tour of the new Y. Wow. It's pretty and light and bright, but I'm still going to miss some things about the old Y. Daughter then taught class and I attended Zumba, which since it was the last class in that Y was made into a Party with a disco type ball and balloons and iced bottled waters. We had fun and then it was time to go home.
Both cats were fine this evening. Chris watched over them when he arrived home before us. But, I noticed the kitten that had the seizure made the same movements one this evening and so now I'm worried again and keeping an eye on her and having to administer electrolyte solution to the other every couple of hours. And that's the whole story.
Now, I'm exhausted and yes, possibly crazy to go through all this with cats we aren't keeping. We were hoping to take them to the shelter this weekend, but now will have to wait until both are either all better or, the one with the seizure? She may have to stay with us because most shelters have a reputation of, well, I won't go there.
I need some sleep. And some sanity, because we must be crazy. Some prayers for the financial aspect of all this medical care for two kittens who aren't ours would be nice, too, please. Along with prayers both fully recover and are healthy. I hope y'all had uneventful and peaceful days. I wish a friendly and nice Wednesday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: (Monday skipped yoga to try and take it easy. HAHAHAHA.) Tuesday-Zumba.
Fitness Hours for the two days: 1.

P.S. I haven't had time to comment, but have been trying to keep up with all y'alls blogs these past two days. I promise to visit and comment soon!

You would not believe our day!

It's so late it's not even funny. We've now had one ER visit and two emergency vet visits (one with regular vet and one with after hours vet) in the space of 24 hours. In exhausted in both body and wallet. I'll be back later to write an actual post later today. Have a great Tuesday, B.

Snowballs in April!

A sure sign of Spring for me is when MIL's pom-pom bush blooms. I know this must be some kind of hydrangea, but we call it the pom-pom bush, or the snowball bush because it has many little balls formed by clusters of tiny flowers. I want one, but have never seen one at a store. Oh, well, I can enjoy them when we visit the Out-laws.

This is going to be short. It's very late for me and I'm writing this under the influence of percoset. Yay for pain meds. I guess. The pain from the pulled muscle became worse today and culminated with another visit to the ER tonight just to be sure I didn't have pneumonia again because it was hard to take deep breaths at all and if I managed it, I was in serious pain. So, Chris called our version of Ask a Nurse (who was NO help *sigh) who urged me to go to call my Doc and visit an Urgent Care place within an hour. Um, my Doc wasn't on call and all Urgent Cares here close at around 9pm. It was almost mid-night by this point and I was in so much pain I was crying. Ibuprofen has been making it bearable but I was taking it NOT in the recommended doses. Chris and Daughter urged me to go to the ER on the off-chance I did have pneumonia again. So, off Chris and I went. To another ER this time, though, since we were not happy with the last time's experience. This time we were in and out within 2.5 hours. Luckily it's just a pulled muscle this time and they made me take some percoset while there and gave me a 'scrip for some weird pain med I've never heard of before and a STRONG anti-inflammatory. I'll fill that one, but the pain med one will go unfilled. I can't function the way I need to on something like that.

As for reading? I've felt too bad to read. I hope to be feeling much better tomorrow (actually today since it's so darn late). And this is also where I need to head off-line and get some sleep. I hope this post made sense. I am feeling WEIRD right now (pain meds) and need to get some rest. I hope y'all had a Lovely and Peaceful Easter. I wish a nice Monday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: None.
Fitness Hours: 0. Took it easy today, for the most part, though it drove me batty.

Sleepy Time, thank goodness!

I'm not sure if I've posted this one, though it was taken recently. Layla is my buddy and prefers to sleep next to me. And the reason I posted this picture is because I want to be doing what Layla is doing in the picture SOON. *g*

It's been a hectic and busy day!
-Took Daughter to meeting at Y.
-Stayed during meeting and took Saturday morning Zumba class.
-After waiting on Daughter for over an hour after my class she finally finished and we headed home with a stop by the pharmacy.
-Had a quick lunch.
-Headed out for more errands today-Son needed shoes. His feet are HUGE. Flipper Huge.
-Had Daughter fitted for a bra and purchased said bra.
-Met up with Chris and Son at B&N afterwards and spent WAY too much time trying to find a book at B&N.
-B&N suck (pardon my language) at stocking and at stocking new books. (Seriously, calling a book new when it's been out over 4 months is BAD.)
-Went to eat at old favorite for pizza. Was BADLY disappointed.
-Home to drop off family, who were off to see Hunger Games.
- Ran to pharmacy to purchase Easter items for kids. (Waited way too long this year. Ugh.)
-Home, Blessed Be!
Which leads to now. I have a fever and I've also managed to do the stupid thing of pulling a chest muscle again. Yay me. *sigh*

So, this is it. I'm beyond exhausted. I'me still reading the new Heather Graham. I hope y'all had a nice Saturday. I wish a Blessed Easter Sunday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.


Exercise: zumba.
Fitness Hours: 1, not counting all the walking for errands.

Something new!

Chris took a look around blogger to see if I still had any issues with posting pictures. As you can see he had no problem at all. So, either my techno-goober-ness took over because I was so tired last night, or blogger was up to something. Either one is possible. *g* And since he was checking out the issues with my blog he decided to test it and chose a pic to test it with. <--- Isn't Wicket adorable? She's a Daddy's girl and is as cute as ever. *g* Oh, and Chris installed Google Chrome for me to use to blog with, thinking that since Google owns blogger there should be fewer issues. Um, okay? However, I won't be using it for anything else. Oh, has anyone else installed the new Blogger? It's taking some time to get used to it.

Do you know the time of year when you notice that your kids have grown the most? If you said checking their dressy clothes you'd be correct. We usually attend Mass in the evening and therefore less formal attire is okay. The kids love that. However, since Christmas they've both grown at least an inch and Daughter has grown, um, out as well. I had to take them shopping today for new dressy clothes and Son now wears a two sizes larger shirt and a size larger pants. (Long arms and legs. *g*) Daughter had to go up a shirt size and a pant size. I know she loves the Junior's section, but I've noticed that most the clothes in that area aren't made for girls with her..... attributes. And she didn't get it from me! It's my Mom's fault.

After that Son and I took Daughter to work and I worked out and then we headed home. We met up with Chris and headed to Target, because the store we went to earlier didn't have pants for him. We found a pair with no problem. I wish everything could be as easy as that. And what cracks me up is the difference in shopping modes between the two kids.

As for reading? I finished the Jodi Thomas book and it brought tears to my eyes several times. I don't want to spoil anything, but this book was filled with letting go and moving on. There were several threads left open as well, so hopefully there will be another Harmony book to finish them. And now I'm reading the latest Heather Graham release, The Unseen. I haven't managed to spend much time reading today, but hopefully will tomorrow.

Anyway, time to head offline. I hope y'all had a fun Friday. I wish an amusing and enjoyable Saturday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: treadclimber, weights.
Fitness Hours: 1hr. 10min.

Reading, back later!

I'm taking the night off. I stayed up too late reading and am now so tired I can't see straight. I wish y'all a fantastic and fun Friday! Goodnight, xoxoxox, B.
Plus I've just spent 20 minutes trying to post a picture and can't figure out what the heck is going on. I'm now cranky on top of being tired. Better get some rest so it all makes sense! *g*

Kittens at Play!

This is Chris' cooler for work. He takes his lunch in it and some waters. However, the kitties think it makes a great hide-and-seek spot. *g* Here are Teddy and Einstein playing with the cooler and fighting over who gets to hide.

I would say it's been a quiet day, but you have no idea how loud four tiny kittens meow. *g* We left them outside in the kitty house last night and kept watch through the window. The mama never appeared that we could see. We watched all day and she only came to our porch once to look into the house and then walked off. She didn't try to feed them, so we took out some kitten formula for them to drink. They followed Son around like he was the Pied Piper of kittens. It was cute. While the kids were making sure the kittens were fed I mowed the lawn. However, I may not have done the smartest thing ever. *g* It started to drizzle five minutes after I started and I heard a low rumble of thunder a little way off. You would have stopped then, right? I might have. It today wasn't the only day I could get to the yard until this weekend. And I want my floors down this weekend and know I have to help to get that done, so...... yeah. I mowed my yard in a light rain. I did keep an eye out for lightning, but never saw any. And it stopped after thirty minutes, so I went ahead and edged and weeded while out there.
After it was dark the kids came in and the kittens slept. And then began a parade of cats across our porch. (Remember, we keep a food bowl out there for them because I can not stand to see an animal in need. Probably not a good thing, but there you have it.) The mama and a couple of others, even one I didn't recognize from the neighborhood. The mama again looked into the kitten house and walked away. *sigh* Because we'll be gone all day tomorrow and the kittens proved they like to explore we plan to put the kitty house in the garage tomorrow for a little while. For their protection when we're not around.
As for reading? I'll admit I stayed up WAY too late reading last night. Only, not the book I thought I would. *g* I felt guilty about not starting the library book first, so picked it up to glance through it and was hooked from the first page. I read it through last night and thought it was a good read. The main character was engaging and interesting and the life situations portrayed were realistic. I hope there's another book in this loosely based series. NOW I can read the other book. *g*

And that's it. I hope y'all had a cheery Wednesday. I wish a delightful and laughter-filled Thursday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: Yard work.
Fitness Hours: 2hrs.

Growing Boy!

I know I just post a picture of Einstein last night, but I had to post this picture tonight. Look how cute he is and how his face is filling out! His ears are huge, but his face is so sweet and he's such a lovey. A crazy lovey, but sweet. *g*

One of those gray days today. It wasn't cool, but so humid you could see the air hang as a pall over everything. It reminded me of living in Mississippi. Daughter worked this afternoon so Son and I dropped her off and then ran some errands. We made it to Target (For socks for Daughter and a birthday card for a friend of theirs and I was bad and picked up a book.) and then to the library to pick up a book that had come in from hold for me (more on that later), then to the post office to mail of Chris and my CWP forms and then finally home for a bit. There were many things I could have done today around the house, but I kept it pretty simple with laundry. I just felt down today and needed the quiet. Do you ever have days like that? Before we knew it, it was time to leave to run a quick errand before meeting up with Daughter and then the kids MA class. However,  a neighbor down the road a smidge knocked on our door and started with "I know y'all have cats.....". Usually this isn't good. However, her son was cutting their lawn and heard kittens under and behind some bushes and couldn't reach them and the strangest part of all? They're both scared of cats. I KNOW! Anyway, the bushes were interspersed with some sort of wild rose (tiny thorns, pink flowers) and the thorns basically kept the kittens trapped in place. I used a hoe and pulled the thorns away and bent down and started talking gently and one kitten just popped out to see me. The neighbor had thought there were maybe two, but turns out there were four. The last two didn't want to come out, they were scared, but as soon as I cleared a clean path for them without bush or thorns they came out. We placed them in a shoe box (from the homeowner) and brought them up to the little cat house we have outside. We placed them inside and left. BUT, not before I tell y'all this. The suspected mama of the kittens was 20 feet away during the "rescue" and watched me carry them to the cat house.So, I am sure she'll either come get them, or at least reassure herself that they are fine where they are. The kittens look to be about 4 weeks old and well cared for by their mama, unlike the kittens we just placed with a local shelter. When they reach six weeks old (if she still takes care of them), we'll take them to the shelter we just dealt with and hopefully catch that mama, too. I've seen this one around, she hisses whenever a person gets within 5 feet of her, so it'll have to be a trap. Which is sad because she is GORGEOUS. Blue, blue eyes and a mostly white coat with patches of light brown and grey.
My hands and arms were covered in tiny thorns after that and I had to use tweezers to get a few of them, but it was worth it to keep the kitties from possibly being hurt by the lawn mower.
After all that Son and I headed to our last errand and then on to meet with Daughter. We gathered everything for the kids class and headed to the dojo.
They had class and I then went to Zumba. I had fun, but felt like some of the moves were a little too complicated for a regular Zumba class! Then again, at least we were challenged, right?
The rest of the night went as usual, I won't bore y'all.
Onto the books! At Target I purchased Just Down the Road by Jodi Thomas. This is the fourth book in the Harmony, Texas series and I've enjoyed each of the books that have been published so far, so have high hopes for this one. I'm hoping to get a glimpse of the lives of a characters in the past books, too, as well as the new characters in the book.
As for the book I picked up at the library, Always the Designer, Never the Bride by Sandra D. Bricker is a book about a wedding dress designer, it's also a contemporary Christian romance and I've read a few other books by the same author so, again, I have high hopes I'll like this one. And I know I'm supposed to read the library book first, but I've been bad and started reading the Thomas book first. I was just too eager for this book to be released to wait. *g*

Anyway, that's our day. Little things piled up to feel like a lot of things and I felt like I was in constant motion. I'm glad tomorrow will be a little slower. At least I hope so. I also hope y'all had a happy Tuesday. I wish a cheerful Wednesday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: Zumba.
Fitness Hours: 1.

Kitty toes!

Heh-heh! Is there anything funnier than cute kitty toes? Yes, I know they are paws, but looking here at Einstein's paws each individual toe is a different color. How silly is that? Have I mentioned that Einstein also fetches? We were playing tonight with his favorite toy- 3 pipe cleaners formed into circles connected to each other. And I would throw it and he would bring it back for me to throw again. How weird is he? Actually, I thought it was pretty sweet. *g*

Ever just feel like snot? Not physically, but emotionally? I just wonder what makes other people think that homeschooling is easy? What makes them think that I sit at home and do nothing all day? I was talking to someone Sunday afternoon and they said that if they didn't have to work, they'd stay home and homeschool their kids. Um, yeah. 'Cause I don't work. *sigh* Noooo, I just sit and twiddle my thumbs and the kids magically do their school work and the yard work gets done on it's own and the cleaning and the laundry and the budget and the cooking and on and on..... Normally I don't take offense. People mean well, I guess. But there are times I just don't feel very confident or heck, even smart. And there are a lot of times I don't feel very appreciated by my family. This just comes on top of something that's been bothering me the last couple of weeks. The Out-laws. Specifically MIL.Well, I won't get into it.
I haven't told y'all that one of the strays had kittens a week, maybe two ago. Their eyes weren't open until a day or so ago. The mom? Put them in the carriage of the car of our next door neighbor last week. Yikes! We freaked out and had to call the neighbor and he came by and unlocked the car so he could pop the hood and he and Son crawled all in there getting the kittens out. There were four. We put them in the cat house we have outside by the porch and kept an eye on them. Two days ago the mom stopped feeding them. We held out breath and hands and didn't touch them, but today? We noticed one was very lethargic and that was it.  We cleaned their faces and eyes and bought some formula and fed them. They perked up and for the first time in two days stopped crying themselves exhausted. We called a local humane shelter and while it wasn't the one for the county we live in (we learned our lesson there, those people are idiots and it's NOT a no-kill shelter, unlike the one we called today) they said we could bring them in and so we did. They promised to foster them and keep them until they're old enough to be adopted. It's a huge stress relief to know that they should be okay and we're looking at a humane trap for the mom because we need to have her spayed. We tried gaining her trust, but she's just too skittish. And better spayed and released than turned over to the local animal control.

As for reading? I've been reading Catch of the Day by Kristan Higgins. I think this was her first book. I'm glad it wasn't the first book by the author I've read, or I may never have tried any of the others. It just isn't my favorite. Have y'all ever done that? Read a later book by an author and been a fan and then read their first book and been glad it wasn't the first book you'd read by that author? 

Geez, I feel stupid boring y'all and pouring out my guts like this. I'm sorry, I just needed to vent. I truly hope y'all had a delightful Monday. I wish a smile-filled Tuesday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: Yoga.
Fitness Hours: 1. Not my favorite teacher tonight. Actually, my LEAST favorite teacher. It's really bad when you watch the clock to know how many more minutes until you can leave.

Teddy plays Houdini!

I'm not sure if I've posted this recently? Teddy discovered Chris' workout bag and of course, being a cat, climbed right on in! He such a sweet and yet silly kitty. *g*

It's been a long day and this is it for me. I need to be up way too early, so this is going to be a night off for me. I hope y'all had a peaceful Sunday. I wish a pleasant and stress-free Monday for y'all. (I'm hoping for that for me, too!) Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Lovely Layla!

Layla is my special kitty. The kitty that makes me smile the most and who's purr is sure to comfort me when I don't feel well or am sad or lonely. She's a great talker, too. *g* Well, no, not really, but she listens well. I love my Layla Belle.

So, it's been a day. After dropping Daughter at work this afternoon Chris, Son and I headed to the mall. Chris needed new tennies and doesn't have my issues when it comes to feet. The only problems he has are that his feet have grown over the years and are not overly wide, but not as narrow as most tennies are made to be lately. Of course, also unlike me, he found a pair in the first store we visited. I can honestly say it's not fair. *g* But, he needed new tennies because he's training for his company's health care day where there will be a 5K. He wants to do well this year and I think the added thought that it may get him off the high blood pressure meds if he loses weight is also a big thing, too.
While at the mall we visited Son's (And Daughter's) favorite store (an import store called The Treasure Box. It was around when I was a teenager!) and while there found a great last birthday present for Daughter, a sparkly watch! The best thing is that it's water resistant. *g* And I'm done shopping for her birthday a full three weeks early. (I'm trying very hard to be organized this year.)
After that we headed to Academy Sports to look for a new pair of sandals for Son. Yes, sandals. It was 84 degrees here today not counting the humidity and there was humidity as it rained all night last night. Luckily we found a pair I liked and he agreed to. But, we couldn't leave without Son trying on those barefoot type shoes, the ones with toes?. He thinks they're cool and Chris doesn't like them. I don't care one way or the other, but as he was trying on a $90 pair I had to repeatedly tell him there was no way I was purchasing them.
We then started to head to the main branch of our county library, but became sidetracked by a small classic car show. It was so cool! There was even an old Ford Model-T. Chris and Son loved the Chevy Camaro's there the most. The old ones AND the new ones. *g* I was amazed at all the style the older cars had. The Skylark and the Bel-Air were gorgeous inside, with amazing detail in the Bel-Air.
After that we headed to the Y to pick up Daughter and then set off on another set of errands that she asked nicely for. We didn't mind as we have been so busy taking care of other things that she's been unable to visit certain stores she likes in the other city. So. First stop was Ulta, because her paycheck was burning up her debit card. *g* She looked at some Philosophy products because she's out of her favorite body wash, but the options were kind of small. She asked to visit the Sephora in that city's J.C. Penny so off we went to our second mall trip of the day. At least it was to a different mall! She ended up purchasing some body wash there. It's her money, to a point. She knows at least half her check goes to savings and had taken care of that. Then to Hot Topic in the mall, the teen homing beacon must have kicked in. *g* She ended up purchasing a Hunger Games Mockingjay pin. The next and last stop was to whole foods. I was so looking forward to picking up my Maple spread while there. Imagine my surprise and sadness to discover they don't have it any more. I'm going to have to find somewhere to order it now. Darnit. But, Daughter enjoyed her gelato, so that's good. *g*

Then, after all that? Thank goodness we headed home. We did manage to take care of all the errands, though. *g* I expect tomorrow to be a little slower. Gosh, I hope so. I hope y'all had a relaxing and amusing Saturday. I wish a lovely and peaceful Sunday. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: None. *sigh* Too much to do, not enough time to do it all.
Fitness Hours: 0. Not a fan of this number.